Winter returns to the Upper Midwest: Heavy snow and high winds

The Upper Midwest and parts of the Great Lakes will experience heavy snow, high winds and frigid temperatures this weekend, as a late-season winter storm moves through.

While you may want to exit the temperature rollercoaster early, this is a ride you can't get off of. Spring is a season of transition, and blizzard-like conditions are set to impact parts of the Upper Midwest and the Great Lakes this weekend.

Today, the WeatherRadar shows a wintry system bringing high winds and some snow to the Midwest and Great Lakes. Cities like Minneapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis and Columbus, Ohio, will see gusts upwards of 40 mph. Travel disruptions and power outages will be possible due to the high winds.

Another storm will bring more widespread snow and gusty winds this weekend. Tomorrow, a broad area of snow will blanket the Northern Plains, Northern Rockies and the Great Lakes.

On Sunday, a strong low-pressure system will surge into the Mississippi Valley with widespread snow, some ice, and strong winds. Significant snow is expected over the weekend, with over a foot possible across parts of southern Minnesota into central and northern Wisconsin, far northern Lower Michigan and Upper Michigan.

Gusty winds will also create blizzard-like conditions will be possible in cities like Minneapolis, Marquette, Mich., and Green Bay, Wis.